SING YOUR HEART OUT — Heather Peterson performs first at the third annual Karaoke for Cancer competition at Ed’s Tavern on March 5. Peterson finished off the night in third place and will move on to the final competition in April. I-O Photo by Deanna Wakkinen

By Deanna Wakkinen, I-O Reporter

The Conrad Cancer Foundation is well underway with its third annual Karaoke for Cancer competition and went through its third week of qualifiers on March 5.

Steve Munk, Barbie Killion and Mitch Hauer were the three judges of the karaoke contenders and they were enlightened by the first two contestants who both earned a few tens.

Up first was Heather Peterson and Killion commented, “You were right on! You obviously did OK cause I gave you a 10.” Peterson must have done a great job, she landed in third place for the night.

After her scores were revealed, Hauer explained the process of judging. Contestants are judged on three areas, appearance, stage presence and vocal ability. A final point is awarded at the judge’s discretion. Three winners are awarded based on an accumulation of money collected to their name and the judges’ scores. A final Judges’ Choice winner is announced as well.

Dig Doug’s was on hand for all the music needs of the evening and Hauer acknowledged his donation of half of the event charged is going back to the Foundation.

Chad Bouma was next as he performed a song by Pearl Jam. His performance yielded him three 10s. Killion laughed that she wanted proof that he was really singing the song and that Dig Doug had not forgotten to turn off lyrics. At the end of the competition, he was the Judges’ Choice winner.

The board members of the Cancer Foundation were present to show their support for the event and were on hand to sell custom made Conrad Cancer Foundation light up cups. Gloria Augé, Michelle Ghekiere, Killion, Terry Denzer, Janie Gollehon and Judy Larson, not present, are the current board members.

Andrea Boehmler was next and was commended for her great stage presence. She was awarded two scores of eight and a nine from Munk. She came out the victor with first place during the night.

Dennis Wisch, of Great Falls, came out singing Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley and the judges gave enthusiastic remarks. Munk commented that if he closed his eyes, he could envision Elvis there. Killion seconded that by saying “I don’t think Elvis has left the building.” Wisch was awarded second place for the night.

Cory Crawford and Jen Archer’s performances followed.

Jana Young rounded out the competition for the night with a whole-hearted performance of the song Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence. Killion said she was “spot on” and Hauer told her she raised the hairs on every judges neck.

By the end of the night, over $500 had been raised for the foundation and the four winners were moved on to the finals competition.

The previous two qualifying rounds had a total of 14 other contestants. Week one’s results were Kelli Gebhart as the Judges’ Choice, Becky Everhard in third place, Courtney Copenhaver in second and Jessica Klein, last year’s second place winner, placed first.

Week two’s results were the duo of Mike Martin and Kelli Gebhart as the Judges’ Choice, Terri Gleason in third, Cody Dugan in second and Jodi Gollehon in first.

The next round of qualifiers will compete on March 19 at 9 p.m. at Ed’s Tavern. All are welcome to compete and registration begins at 8 p.m.